The people of mountain town Junagadh will celebrate liberation Day and pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Mahatma Gandhi on Sunday. Besides, 12 freedom fighters who fought against the Army of the Nawab of Junagadh will also be felicitated.
India got the freedom on August 15, 1947, but people of erstwhile Junagadh State got independence almost three months later on November 9, 1947. last Nawab of Junagadh, Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III, had decided to merge Junagadh with Pakistan against the wish of people. As a result, the people of Junagadh created an Army “Arzy Hukumat” inspired by the ‘Iron Man’ of India, Sardar Patel. As Nawab’s Army couldn’t stand against the freedom fighters, Mahabat Khan fled to Pakistan.
“The BJP ruled Junagadh Municipal Corporation (JMC) has planned a day-long celebration to commemorate the historical day and pay tribute to Sardar Patel. The day will begin with a rally and launching of public oriented projects worth Rs 30 crore,” said Jitu Hirpara, Junagadh Mayor, adding that the State and Central Governments are also giving fitting tribute to Sardar Patel, who was instrumental in unification of the nation.
He said that a poojan ceremony will also be conducted at historical Bahauddin College campus in the mountain town, where Patel addressed first public meeting after the Nawab fled to Pakistan and people of Junagadh breathed in free India.
On the important day, tribute will be paid to another son of the soil, the great poet Narsinh Mehta. A Rs 7 crore development project will be launched at Mehta’s memorial “Narsinh Mehta No Choro”. Another development project worth Rs 4 crore will be launched at Damodar Kund, situated at the foothill of Gujarat’s tallest mountain — Girnar.
Messages related to cleanliness campaign, eradication of mal-nutrition and women empowerment will be spread through the rally. Theme of the rally will be ‘liberated Junagadh Clean Junagadh’. 12 freedom fighters, who fought against the Army of the Nawab will be felicitated. Entire town will illuminate with colorful lighting in the evening. A musical night has also been planned for the residents of Junagadh.